Thursday, September 26, 2013

ICS Newsletter 9.26.13

ICS Newsletter 9.26.13

UPCOMING EVENTS
9/26 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30; Sacred Steps Running Club, 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.; Book Fair; PAYDAY Sweepstakes Raffle Tickets sent home in the Thursday envelope
9/27 – ½ day of school; Book Fair

9/30 - Irish Inksters (Creative Writing Club) 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. for 4th - 8th graders (students meet in Room 2, bring a pencil and notebook)
10/2 - School Mass, Kindergarten / 8th Grade Angel Ceremony
10/3 - Picture Retakes
10/4 - First Friday Morning Assembly, Irish Incarnation Day

10/9 - School Mass, Household Meetings; IPHSA General Meeting, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
10/10 – NO SCHOOL, Diocese of St. Petersburg in-service (*please note that this is a Thursday)
10/14 - 10/18 - St. Francis Pet Food Drive
10/25 – End of Quarter 1; ½ day of school; IPHSA Under the Stars Movie Night
11/7 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30
11/8 – ½ day of school; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
11/9 – IPHSA Auction
11/11 – No School, Veterans’ Day
11/23 - ICS Family Fun Run

11/25 - 11/29 - Thanksgiving Break, NO SCHOOL
PRAYER INTENTIONS
We pray for peace throughout our world and that leaders and officials may work toward unity instead of division. 

Please also pray for all families, especially those struggling from the effects of abuse, divorce, separation or death. May God strengthen these families and each of their respective members. 

Have a prayer request? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayer intentions will run for 2 weeks unless otherwise specified.
SPAGHETTI DINNER
Thank you to the over 300 people who were able to attend ICS's Annual Spaghetti Dinner. The event was so well attended that we sold out of all of our food! What an amazing problem to have. We would like to thank Publix, Vigo and Carrabba's for their generous donations of food to help keep the cost of feeding so many people to a minimum. We would also like to thank the many parent and student volunteers who helped to staff the event. Finally, a GIGANTIC thank you goes out to the teacher servers, parent volunteers and student workers! 

Before expenses, the total for the night was just over $3,000. After making good on our costs, the school netted over $2,700! Great job and thank you to everyone who attended and help staff the event. This was a significant increase from last year's profit of around $2,000. AMAZING! 

Please help provide us feedback on the event by completing this 6 question survey: SPAGHETTI DINNER.
INCARNATION PARISH HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Please visit SignUpGenius to sign up to volunteer for any of the upcoming Home and School Association events. Remember that your involvement in our school family is essential for the success of our great school. Event names will be added soon. Thank you for your patience.                                                                    

REACH FOR THE STARS AUCTION
Our next Reach for the Stars Auction meeting is next Friday October 4 at 1:30 in Miss Gess's Office, (the classroom across from the Main Office). All are welcome. 
PLAYGROUND
We are inching closer to the funds necessary to purchase and install our new playground for primary level children. Anyone willing, interested and able to make a donation for this project should contact the Main Office (813.884.4502) or submit a check to the Main Office (payable to ICS). 
FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP

Our recent Food and Fellowship event at the two area Westshore Pizza locations generated over $100.00 for ICS! Thank you to the many families who attended and supported this event. It is appreciated!

The classes with the most participation and winners of a pizza party from Westshore Pizza are: 8A and 1A! Congratulations!
HOME

-Marcus Tullius Cicero

Thanks to Mrs. Peach (Caitlin, Grade 7) for this week's quote on our theme of "HOME". We also really liked how this quote tied into our emphasis on reading, the gateway to knowledge!

Have a great quote that pertains to this year's theme? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org.

LEVEL II BACKGROUND SCREENINGS AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

Anyone interested in volunteering during the school day needs both Level II Screening and Safe Environment Training. Level II background screening through the Diocese of St. Petersburg is required for adults to volunteer with our children. Please note that this screening must be done through the diocese. Safe Environment Training is needed in order to have supervisory duties with students. Questions? Contact the Main Office: 813.884.4502.

DRIVING

Thank you to the many families who abide by the parking lot etiquette policies as posted in the Student - Family Handbook. We greatly appreciate your support in keeping your child(ren) and all of our ICS students safe and secure!

COMMITMENT

Please remember that our two biggest fundraisers of the school year are just around the corner. The Payday Sweepstakes Raffle will begin next Friday October 4th and the Reach for the Stars Auction is November 9. Between the two events, families are required to fundraise $150.00 (or $75.00 for single parent families). You can accomplish this by purchasing two tickets to the Auction, buying / selling your 15 raffle tickets, or doing some combination of the two.

Raffle tickets will be sent home today! Be sure to check your family's Thursday envelope for your allotment of tickets for this year. Any family who sells all 15 by next week will be entered into a $200 bonus raffle to kick off the event next Friday! Don't miss out! 

CELEBRATING SUCCESSES

Did you know that every year, ICS sends 8th grade graduates to Jesuit, Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa Catholic, Bishop McLaughlin and many of the International Baccalaureate programs in the Tampa Bay area? Furthermore, ICS graduates go on to successful collegiate and professional careers!

Do you know of an ICS alumnus who has found success in the areas of academics, athletics, leadership, service or ministry that should be featured in our Newsletter? If so, please help us to recognize the sons and daughters of Incarnation Catholic School by sending notification to Mr. Zelenka: icsmzele@icstampa.org. GO IRISH!

MISSED MASS

So as to remain consistent in our message, philosophy and mission, we apologize for not taking students to Mass yesterday because of the inclement weather. The decision was made to keep students safe and secure; in no way was it intended to indicate that Mass is unimportant. On the contrary, the Celebration of the Eucharist is the most important school activity all week! Thank you for your patience and understanding. 
In keeping with our tradition, we at Incarnation Catholic School:
Inspire life-long learning,
Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and
Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.
-----------------------------------------------------
5111 Webb Rd. * Tampa, FL 33615 * Tel: 813.884.4502 * Fax: 813.885.3734 * www.icstampa.org/

Thursday, September 19, 2013

ICS Newsletter 9.19.13


ICS Newsletter 9.19.13

UPCOMING EVENTS
9/19 - Sacred Steps Running Club begins, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
9/20 – IPHSA Spaghetti Dinner, St. Michael Hall, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
9/23 – 9/27 – ICS Book Fair

9/23 - Food and Fellowship Spirit Night @ Chick-fil-A (W. Waters Ave), 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
Middle school students bring primary grade students to households.
9/25 – School Mass, 8:30 a.m. (parents and guests are always welcome to join us for Mass!)
9/26 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30, **see the flyer in today's packet to sign up, or just contact your child(ren)'s teacher(s)**
9/27 – ½ day of school
10/2 - School Mass, Kindergarten / 8th Grade Angel Ceremony
10/3 - Picture Retakes
10/4 - First Friday Morning Assembly, Irish Incarnation Day
10/10 – No School, Diocese of St. Petersburg in-service
10/14 - 10/18 - St. Francis Pet Food Drive
10/25 – End of Quarter 1; ½ day of school; IPHSA Under the Stars Movie Night
11/7 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30
11/8 – ½ day of school; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
11/9 – IPHSA Auction
11/11 – No School, Veterans’ Day
11/23 - ICS Family Fun Run
PRAYER INTENTIONS
The Garcia family as they mourn the loss of Mr. Garcia's father and the grandfather of Alex (Grade 7) and Alaina (Grade 4).

The Ramos family as they mourn the loss of Rosemin Ramos. 

Colleen Aiello, cousin of Ms. Cummings, as she recovers from two major surgeries. May she receive God's strength as she continues her battle against cancer.

Have a prayer request? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayer intentions will run for 2 weeks unless otherwise specified.
SPAGHETTI DINNER
Come out to St. Michael Hall tomorrow, September 20, 2013 for ICS's Annual Spaghetti Dinner. This family friendly event is a great way to enjoy a home cooked meal with your ICS family! We look forward to seeing you there! The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will run until 8:00. Come for your chance to be served by the ICS faculty, staff and administration! GO IRISH!


ICS FAMILY SUPPERS / IRISH CUP / HOUSEHOLD MEETINGS
Please visit Mr. Zelenka's blog, Catholic Education, for more information about our first Household events - Family Supper / Irish Cup activities last Thursday and Household Meetings and Mass yesterday. 

This new initiative has already been an outstanding success! Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to nurture our school FAMILY by eating together, playing together and praying together!
INCARNATION PARISH HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Please visit SignUpGenius to sign up to volunteer for any of the upcoming Home and School Association events. Remember that your involvement in our school family is essential for the success of our great school.                                                                   

REACH FOR THE STARS AUCTION
Our next Reach for the Stars Auction meeting is tonight, Thursday September 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Miss Gess's Office (the classroom across from the Main Office). The Auction committee will also meet tomorrow, Friday September 20 at 1:30 p.m.
PLAYGROUND
Thank you to the Bruce family (Kenley, Grade 7) for their generous donation toward our Playground fund. Donations can be submitted to the Main Office; make checks payable to Incarnation Catholic School. 
TARGET
Please continue to vote for ICS at GiveWith.Target.com. Voting ends on September 21. ICS will receive a dollar for every vote it receives. 
FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Thank you to the many families who joined us for Food and Fellowship this past Tuesday at the two local Westshore Pizza locations. Our next Food and Fellowship opportunity is this upcoming Monday September 23 at Chick-fil-A. Remember that ICS receives a portion of all proceeds from these events. Thank you in advance for your support. 
HOME


Thanks to Miss Gess, ICS alum and Assistant Principal, for this week's quote on our theme of "HOME". 

Have a great quote that pertains to this year's theme? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org.

SACRED STEPS RUNNING CLUB

Our first Sacred Steps Running Club workout of the school year is this afternoon. Workouts involve both scripture and steps - running steps - and take place after school from 3:15 to 4:15. Pick-up will occur by the flag pole in the Church parking lot (closest to Hillsborough Ave.). If you are interested in signing up for next week or beyond please contact: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Remember that this is for students in grades 2 - 8.  

LEVEL II BACKGROUND SCREENINGS AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

Anyone interested in volunteering during the school day needs both Level II Screening and Safe Environment Training. Level II background screening through the Diocese of St. Petersburg is required for adults to volunteer with our children. Please note that this screening must be done through the diocese. Safe Environment Training is needed in order to have supervisory duties with students. Questions? Contact the Main Office: 813.884.4502.

OFFICE SUPPLIES = COMMITMENT HOURS

The office is in need of color cardstock to make lunch cards. Parents can save the receipts and get commitment hours. Contact the School Office with questions: 813.884.4502.

PARKING LOT ETIQUETTE

Follow the traffic patterns as outlined in the Student-Family Handbook, pages 14 - 16

Do not talk on your cell phone during active unloading and unloading zones. If nothing else, please just put the phone in your lap. Driving while talking really is distracting. 

Drive slowly at all times. 

Help us to ensure the safety and security of all of ICS's children - yours included!

COMMITMENT

Please remember that our two biggest fundraisers of the school year are just around the corner. The Payday Sweepstakes Raffle will begin the first week of October and the Reach for the Stars Auction is November 9. Between the two events, families are required to fundraise $150.00 (or $75.00 for single parent families). You can accomplish this by purchasing two tickets to the Auction, buying / selling your 15 raffle tickets, or doing some combination of the two. Look for raffle tickets to be sent home next week. Thank you in advance for your support, involvement and commitment!

CELEBRATING SUCCESSES

Did you know that every year, ICS sends 8th grade graduates to Jesuit, Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa Catholic, Bishop McLaughlin and many of the International Baccalaureate programs in the Tampa Bay area? Furthermore, ICS graduates go on to successful collegiate and professional careers!

Do you know of an ICS alumnus who has found success in the areas of academics, athletics, leadership, service or ministry that should be featured in our Newsletter? If so, please help us to recognize the sons and daughters of Incarnation Catholic School by sending notification to Mr. Zelenka: icsmzele@icstampa.org. GO IRISH!
In keeping with our tradition, we at Incarnation Catholic School:
Inspire life-long learning,
Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and
Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.
-----------------------------------------------------
5111 Webb Rd. * Tampa, FL 33615 * Tel: 813.884.4502 * Fax: 813.885.3734 * www.icstampa.org/

Thursday, September 12, 2013

ICS Newsletter 9.12.13

Newsletter, Thursday September 12, 2013



ICSSC candidates delivered their campaign speeches on 9/10/13.
UPCOMING EVENTS
9/12 - ICS Family Supper (*see details below)
9/13 - Band begins; ICS Student Council elections
9/17 – Food and Fellowship @ Westshore Pizza (11212 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa and 6602 Hanley Rd.) 
9/18 – Household Meetings (*see details below); School Mass, 8:30 a.m.; Mid-Quarter

9/19 - Sacred Steps Running Club begins, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
9/20 – IPHSA Spaghetti Dinner, St. Michael Hall
9/23 – 9/27 – ICS Book Fair

9/23 - Food and Fellowship Spirit Night @ Chick-fil-A (W. Waters Ave), 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. *PLEASE NOTE THIS CORRECTED DATE!
9/25 – School Mass, 8:30 a.m.
9/26 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30
9/27 – ½ day of school
10/10 – No School, Diocese of St. Petersburg in-service
10/25 – End of Quarter 1; ½ day of school
11/7 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30
11/8 – ½ day of school; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
11/9 – IPHSA Auction
11/11 – No School, Veterans’ Day

PRAYER INTENTIONS
The Garcia family as they mourn the loss of Mr. Garcia's father and the grandfather of Alex (Grade 7) and Alaina (Grade 4).

The Ramos family as they mourn the loss of Rosemin Ramos. 

Colleen Aiello, cousin of Ms. Cummings, as she recovers from two major surgeries. May she receive God's strength as she continues her battle against cancer.

Have a prayer request? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayer intentions will run for 2 weeks unless otherwise specified.

ICS FAMILY SUPPERS / IRISH CUP / HOUSEHOLD MEETINGS
Please visit Mr. Zelenka's blog, Catholic Education, for more details about our upcoming ICS Family Suppers / Irish Cup Activities and Household Meetings. Students were placed into Households at First Friday Morning Assembly last Friday September 6. Our first Household activity is our Family Supper / Irish Cup Activity today! Please note that these activities, even though they use the terms "family" and "house" are just for students. 

Our first Household meeting is Wednesday September 18. Households will gather together for a meeting from 8:00 - 8:20 and then head to Mass for the Celebration of the Eucharist as a Household, a Priory (the four main groupings of Households) and one Family!

Please pray for the success of this new initiative! We have every confidence that it will be AMAZING!

FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Please consider joining us for our first Food and Fellowship events of the 2013 - 14 school year. Tuesday September 17 at Westshore Pizza and Monday September 23 at Chick-fil-A. Remember that ICS receives a portion of all proceeds from these events. Thank you in advance for your support. 

INCARNATION PARISH HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Please visit SignUpGenius to sign up to volunteer for any of the upcoming Home and School Association events. Remember that your involvement in our school family is essential for the success of our great school.                                                                   



REACH FOR THE STARS AUCTION
Our next Reach for the Stars Auction meeting is tomorrow, Friday September 7 at 1:30. If you are interested in helping but cannot attend, please contact Mr. Zelenka: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Our next planning meeting will be on Thursday September 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Miss Gess's Room (the classroom across from the Main Office). 

PLAYGROUND
Thank you to the Rodriguez (Noah, PreK) and Nelson (Arianna, K) for their generous donation toward our Playground fund. Donations can be submitted to the Main Office; make checks payable to Incarnation Catholic School. 

TARGET
Please continue to vote for ICS at GiveWith.Target.com. Currently, ICS only has 95 votes. This is such an easy way for ICS to earn funding. Vote today, especially if you haven't voted yet, and spread the word to any and all who may lend us a vote. GO IRISH!


HOME
"Charity begins at home, but should not end there."
-Thomas Fuller

Thanks to Mrs. Peach, parent of Caitlin in 7th grade, for this week's quote on our theme of "HOME". 

Have a great quote that pertains to this year's theme? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org.


IRISH ATHLETICS

Our Irish Athletic teams are in full swing for the fall season. Soccer and Volleyball on both the JV (Grades 5 and 6) and Varsity (Grades 7 and 8) levels are beginning games. Volleyball won their home opener yesterday against Most Holy Redeemer and Soccer has a game today (Thursday September 12). GO IRISH!


SACRED STEPS RUNNING CLUB

Students in Grades 2 - 8 who are interested in developing their bodies and their spirits in the Sacred Steps Running Club, should plan to attend our first "workout" of the school year on Thursday September 19. Workouts involve both scripture and steps - running steps - and take place after school from 3:15 to 4:15. A sign-up form was included in last week's packet. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Zelenka: icsmzele@icstampa.org


LEVEL II BACKGROUND SCREENINGS AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

Please consult last week's Newsletter for details about Level II Screening and Safe Environment Training. Level II background screening is required for adults to volunteer with our children. Safe Environment Training is needed in order to have supervisory duties with students. Questions? Contact the Main Office: 813.884.4502.


FIRST FRIDAY MORNING ASSEMBLY HONOREES

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized at last Friday's First Friday Morning Assembly. These students were honored with Incarnation Inspiration Awards for going above and beyond the basic expectations of an ICS and truly being AMAZING!

-Ian Gray, Grade 2
-Shane Oliva, Grade 3
-Brian Stevens, Grade 5
-David Housand, Grade 7
-Jarred Arnold, Grade 7
-Javier Varela, Grade 7
-Bianca Falcone, Grade 7
-Marissa Phillian, Grade 7
-Gentry Burks, Grade 7
-Joseph Cermak, Grade 7
-Valerie Lamarre, Grade 7
-Peter Tanner, Grade 8

Great job, Irish! Keep it up!


SPAGHETTI DINNER

Come out to St. Michael Hall next Friday, September 20, 2013 for ICS's Annual Spaghetti Dinner. This family friendly event is a great way to enjoy a home cooked meal with your ICS family! We look forward to seeing you there!

Anyone willing to make a dessert for the event should contact the Main Office. Four desserts merits one commitment hour. Thank you!


OFFICE SUPPLIES = COMMITMENT HOURS

The office is in need of color cardstock to make lunch cards. Parents can save the receipts and get commitment hours. Contact the School Office with questions: 813.884.4502.


PARKING LOT ETIQUETTE (PAVILION LOT)

Drivers for pick-up in the Pavilion lot are reminded to follow the appropriate loop (entering from Webb Road and then following the flow of traffic to the active loading zone) instead of parking and walking into the student lines to retrieve students. This practice is unsafe for many reasons, including crossing two lanes of traffic as a pedestrian and bringing children into this traffic pattern. It also disrupts the flow of traffic, causing a delay to drivers abiding by the appropriate loop.

Our children's safety is more important than anyone's time. 

Help us keep our students safe. Obey all traffic policies for Incarnation Catholic School: http://icstampa.org/files/Student-Family_Handbook_2013_-_14.pdf (pages 14 - 16).

Finally, please consider the message sent to your child(ren) by not complying with school policies. Kids are highly astute - they pick up on so much more than we think they do. Your words, your actions, and everything you do sends a message to our children.

Make it the one you intend.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. 
In keeping with our tradition, we at Incarnation Catholic School:
Inspire life-long learning,
Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and
Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.
-----------------------------------------------------
5111 Webb Rd. * Tampa, FL 33615 * Tel: 813.884.4502 * Fax: 813.885.3734 * www.icstampa.org/

Thursday, September 5, 2013

ICS Newsletter 9.5.13


Newsletter, Thursday September 5, 2013
UPCOMING EVENTS
9/6 – First Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., Irish Pavilion; Irish Incarnation Spirit Day (see page 70 of the Student-Family Handbook for details)
9/9 – 9/13 – ICS Student Council Elections
9/11 – Patriot Day; Coffee with the Principal, 8:00 – 8:25 a.m., St. Michael Hall (Primary Grades - PreK to Grade 2); School Mass, 8:30 a.m.

9/12 - ICS Family Supper (*see details below)

9/13 - Band begins
9/17 – Food and Fellowship @ Westshore Pizza (11212 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa and 6602 Hanley Rd.) *PLEASE NOTE THIS CORRECTED DATE!
9/18 – Household Meetings (*see details below); School Mass, 8:30 a.m.; Mid-Quarter

9/19 - Sacred Steps Running Club begins, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
9/20 – IPHSA Spaghetti Dinner, St. Michael Hall
9/23 – 9/27 – ICS Book Fair

9/23 - Food and Fellowship Spirit Night @ Chick-fil-A (W. Waters Ave), 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. *PLEASE NOTE THIS CORRECTED DATE!
9/25 – School Mass, 8:30 a.m.
9/26 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30
9/27 – ½ day of school
10/10 – No School, Diocese of St. Petersburg in-service
10/25 – End of Quarter 1; ½ day of school
11/7 – ½ day of school; Family – Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 4:30 and 5:30 – 7:30
11/8 – ½ day of school; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
11/9 – IPHSA Auction
11/11 – No School, Veterans’ Day
PRAYER INTENTIONS
The Ramos family as they mourn the loss of Rosemin Ramos. The funeral Mass is here at Incarnation on Saturday September 7 at 1:00 p.m.

Colleen Aiello, cousin of Ms. Cummings,  as she prepares for two major surgeries on September 11th. We pray for her strength as she continues her battle against cancer.

Have a prayer request? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayer intentions will run for 2 weeks unless otherwise specified.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Many thanks to the many families who were able to attend last night's ICS Curriculum Night. We hope that the information received was valuable and that you continue to communicate with your child(ren)'s teacher(s) to ensure their success. Thank you for partnering with us at ICS to educate your sons and daughters!
ICS FAMILY SUPPERS / IRISH CUP / HOUSEHOLD MEETINGS
Please visit Mr. Zelenka's blog, Catholic Education, for more details about our upcoming ICS Family Suppers / Irish Cup Activities and Household Meetings. Students will be placed into Households at First Friday Morning Assembly tomorrow Friday September 6. Our first Household activity is our Family Supper / Irish Cup Activity on 9/12/13. Please pray for the success of this new initiative! We have every confidence that it will be AMAZING!
FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Please consider joining us for our first Food and Fellowship events of the 2013 - 14 school year. Tuesday September 17 at Westshore Pizza and Monday September 23 at Chick-fil-A. Remember that ICS receives a portion of all proceeds from these events. Thank you in advance for your support. 
INCARNATION PARISH HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Thank you as well for the many families who signed up last night for the various Home and School events throughout the 2013 - 14 school year. Please visit SignUpGenius to sign up to volunteer for any of the upcoming events. Remember that your involvement in our school family is essential for the success of our great school.                                                                    

REACH FOR THE STARS AUCTION
Our next Reach for the Stars Auction meeting is tomorrow, Friday September 6 at 1:30. If you are interested in helping but cannot attend, please contact Mr. Zelenka: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Our next planning meeting will be in the evening to allow for more potential volunteers to attend. Stay tuned for details. 
UPDATE INFORMATION ON SYCAMORE
Please be sure that all of your contact information is up to date and correct in Sycamore. This will help to ensure efficient and effective communication between our school and your home. If at any time you need help with Sycamore, please contact the School Office: 813.884.4502. This includes lost / forgotten usernames and / or passwords. Remember that our Sycamore school ID is: 1480. 
PLAYGROUND
Please help us generate enough money for a new playground. Donations can be submitted to the Main Office; make checks payable to Incarnation Catholic School. 
TARGET
Please continue to vote for ICS at GiveWith.Target.com. Currently, ICS only has 75 votes. This is such an easy way for ICS to earn funding. Vote today (and then once per week after that) and spread the word to any and all who may lend us a vote. GO IRISH!

NEW FORMAT

Please bookmark the link to this site: http://incarnationcatholicschool.blogspot.com. This way, you can be sure to check the Thursday newsletter each and every week. It will also be an easy reference tool, too! 
HOME
"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do but how much love we put in that action."  
-Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Thanks to Mr. Philip, parent of Rayna in 4th grade, for once again submitting today's thematic quote!

Have a great quote that pertains to this year's theme, "HOME"? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org and it may appear in upcoming posts!

SACRED STEPS RUNNING CLUB


Students in Grades 2 - 8 who are interested in developing their bodies and their spirits in the Sacred Steps Running Club, should plan to attend our first "workout" of the school year on Thursday September 19. Workouts involve both scripture and steps - running steps - and take place after school from 3:15 to 4:15. A sign-up form is in today's packet. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Zelenka: icsmzele@icstampa.org


LEVEL II BACKGROUND SCREENINGS AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING


In order to help protect our students and maintain our number one priority of keeping children safe and secure, any adult who comes into contact with our students must have a Level II Background Screening completed through the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Background screenings are good for five years.


In addition, any adult who wishes to perform supervisory duties with students (coaching, chaperoning, volunteering in classrooms) must also complete Safe Environment Training through the Diocese as well.

Both of these requirements must be met in order for you to volunteer to work with children. Volunteering for work that does not involve children but takes place during the school day requires the Level II screening.

Contact the Main Office if you have questions: 813.884.4502. You can also visit the Safe Environment Program Office page on the Diocese of St. Petersburg website: http://home.catholicweb.com/DOSP_SE/.

Upcoming Safe Environment Training dates and sites include:

Sat. 09/07/13
St. Josephs Catholic Church (Tampa)
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. English
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Spanish
Contact Linery at 813-877-5729

Tues. 09/10/13
St. Lawrence Catholic Church (Tampa)
6: 30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact Frances at 813-879-5090 ext. 238

Thurs. 09/14/13
Christ the King (Tampa)
6p to 9p
Contact Theresa at 813-876-8770

Sat. 09/14/13
St. Timothy Catholic Church (Lutz)
9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Contact Judy at St. Timothy 

Tues. 09/17/13
Our Lady of Lourdes (Dunedin)
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Contact Karen at 727-733-3776

Wed. 09/18/13 
Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Downtown Tampa)
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Contact Linda at 813-229-1595 ext. 204

Thurs. 09/19/13
Academy of Holy Names (Tampa)
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact Sandy at the Academy

Thurs. 09/19/13
Holy Family School (St. Petersburg)
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.


Contact Sr. Flo at 727-526-8194

FIRST FRIDAY MORNING ASSEMBLY

Tomorrow Friday September 6 is our first First Friday Morning Assembly of the 2013 - 14 school year. This event begins at 8:30 in our ICS Pavilion. Family members and guests are welcome to join us. If interested, please park in the Pavilion lot (after 7:50) and join us in the Pavilion for our 8:30 event. 

COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Next Wednesday September 11 is our first Coffee with the Principal of the school year. All families are welcome to attend but a special invitation is given to families with students in PreK to Grade 2. Come and meet other ICS families, talk with Mr. Zelenka and enjoy a cup of coffee. Attendees should meet in St. Michael Hall from 8:00 - 8:25 a.m. 


OFFICE SUPPLIES = COMMITMENT HOURS

The office is in need of color cardstock to make lunch cards. Parents can save the receipts and get commitment hours. Contact the School Office with questions: 813.884.4502.
In keeping with our tradition, we at Incarnation Catholic School:
Inspire life-long learning,
Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and
Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.
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5111 Webb Rd. * Tampa, FL 33615 * Tel: 813.884.4502 * Fax: 813.885.3734 * www.icstampa.org/